





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS^ 

ii^ap* iop^rig^l f 

Shelf X 'Z.h 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






1 




1 




1891. 




II 1 





A Treatise on 



Physical Culture 



Systematic Exercise. 



DAVID ORR EDSON, A. B., M.D., 



O^" I^TE^W^ ^ORJ^ CTT?^- 



ERWIN, HULBERT $( CO. 



26 Y7EST 23rd STREET, 



Opposite Fifth Avenue Hotel. 



NEW YORK CITY. 




Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1891, by Merivin, Hulbert £ Co., in the Office of the 

Librarian of Congress, at Washington, J). C. 



TREATISE ON PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SYSTEMATIC EXERCISE. 



It is very gratifying to note that the treatment of certain conditions of disease, especially chronic conditions, by different forms of exer- 
cise, should, within so short a time, have become so popular among physicians. Our German friends are to be credited with having 
first made the attempt to systematize "movement cares," but it cannot be said at the present time, that their knowledge in reference 
to this subject is in any way superior to our own. In Germany the treatment of chronic disease by passive motion, and careful 
exercise, is much valued among both physicians and surgeons of known eminence, and with people it is extremely popular. 
Here, in our own country, it is gradually and surely making way, and in due course there can be no doubt that it will create and maintain 
a position as a curative agent of the very highest value. 

Hoflfman, A. D. 1660-1742, says in his work " Medicina Rationalia Systematica" : "The human body, like all other bodies in nature, 
possesses material forces, by means of which it affects its movements. All these forces may be reduced to mechanical and mathematical 
principles. An inponderable but material agent aether, the active moving force, animates all the tissues of the body, and presides over 
physical phenomena in every domain in creation." He further says : " medicine will never progress until we closely examine the nature 
of this form of motion, originating in the sentient soul ; and until we apply to medicine the laws of mechanics and hydraulics." 

In his writings " Dessertationos Physico Medicae," 1708, the sixth division of the first volume, bears the superscription, " Motion the 
best means of cure for the body." And in the first chapter, " On the attainment of long life," he quotes the saying of Celsus, " Tlie best of 
all medicine is none." When we consider that Hoffman wrote his celebrated work at the beginning of the last century, we cannot suffici- 
ently admire the illumined mind which shows itself throughout his writings : he says with such clearness, moderation and love of truth, — 
" He who carefully observes and tests nature's art of healing, is forced to the conclusion that the basis of all health, life and disease, is an 
exceedingly simple one, which never changes, and is never confused. It is a matter of surprise, therefore, that physicians have invented 
so many means of cure to preserve health, and to combat disease. Nature maintains life by simple processes ; a few contrivances serve 
her fpr the preservation of health ; nor are the causes of disease many. It is justifiable, therefore, to assume that the remedies to be used 
in restoring health, should be neither complicated nor numerous. Certainly the medicines by means of which the physician can support 
;tlie efforts of nature, achieve success, cure the sick, and win honor- for himself, are by no means numerous. There are many things 
which though they appear to have little infiuence in the healing of disease, or the preservation of health, possess unthought of power. Of 
this kind are those six matters called natural, namely : air, food, motion, rest, sleeping and waking. The intelligent application of these 
may be of the greatest service in the art of healing, without medicants. We have an example of their power in the influence of movement 
and in the exercise of the limbs. The influence of exercise is so strong, if we believe the testimony of the ancients, and of our own ex- 
perience — that where disease is to be prevented, or cured, it is to be prized more than the most costly medicants." 

There are few physicians who study the treatment of disease from the physical or mechanical side, to the extent that we would have 
them do. Doctor Stone says : "Now at the present time investigation and research are abundantly carried on in the Pathological, Physio- 
logical, and Therapeutical aspects of medicine ; but the physical or mechanical side is somewhat neglected, for hundreds of ardent quest- 
ioners of nature, who are laboring with the microscope, in the bilogical and bacterilogical labratories, those who attack medicine from its 
physical side may be counted upon the fingers of one hand." 

Now let us take up the mechanical side of this subject, and see the necessity of properly applied physical exercise. In the first place, 
the muscles are looked upon as the furnaces the body, and are estimated to contribute four-fifths of the heat necessary to maintain life; 
the muscles forming about one-half of the substance of the body. Heat is necessary for the nutrition of the body ; cold on the other hand, 
has a markedly depressant action on nutrition. Let us trace the heat developed by the action of a set of muscles, say of the arm. 



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Sect/, 



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Fig. 1. — Posterior Surface of Forearm, superficial muscles. 



MEBWIN, HULBERT & CO., NEW YORK. 




Fig. 2.— Front of the Left Forearm, deep muscles. 




MERWIN, HULBEHT A- CO., XEJV YOltK. 



4 



By the contractiou of these musclts heat is developed hy the oxidation of the tissues ; a demand is made upon the blood for more oxy- 
gen. This is to be supplied by tlie hings to the little red corpuscles of the blood, which cany it to the tissues in action, there give it up to 
the muscles and take in exchange the burnt-up material, which is carbonic acid and other effete substances. Therefore we have seen that 
every organ of the body has been stimulated and put into healthy action by the movement of one set of muscles. The tissues have called 
upon for more material, the blood, the medium of exchange, has been called upon for an increased supply, the arterioles have opened their 
flood gates through which to allow this increased amount to pass, by a stimulation of the nervous system which presides over this function — 
the heart to supply the fc^rce, the lungs and digestive track to supply the material, and the kidneys and skin to carry off the eflfete material. 
I have said that the muscles formed about one-half of the entire substance of the body. When nature supplied man with the engine 
to accomplish the work, she also supplied him with a boiler sufficient to supply the amount of force to call into action every portion of the 
machine, so that one should be a necessary adjunct to the healthy maintenance of the other. Now the question arises, how shall a 
man confined to office work all day, maintain the healthy equilibrium between muscle and organs? How shall he keep up the 
tonus of the body ? By simply calling into action the different sets of muscles which nature has given him for a set purpose. Take for 
instance the muscles of the thorax (Chest). 



By the intelligent exercise of these muscles, we can accomplish in a comparatively short time more than a day laborer, whose muscles 
are constantly in play. 




Fig. 6.= Muscles of the Chest and Front o£ the Arm, superficial view. 



In the illustration the principal muscles of thorasic (Chest) respiration are to be seen ; they are the trapezius, peetoralis major and 
minor, seratus posticus superior and inferior, and the rhomboidei ; also the sterno-mastoid in forced inspiration, by throwing the head back 
and thus giving a fixed point for the action of the intercostals (those between the ribs). 

It will be easily seen, when borne in mind, that a muscle contracts in a line of its fibres ; that these muscles when contracted, tend to 
draw up the ribs, which, by their peculiar shape, give to the chest a larger expansion externally, and therefore a larger capacity internally, 
for the elastic lung tissue to act ; which must be taken advantage of by full inspiration, held a few seconds and then expelled : In this lies 
the intelligent use of these muscles, for by this means we not only develope the muscles but we exercise the lung tissue itself. (Motion 
shown in figures 5 and 3). This motion alone 1 have seen work a marvel of benefit upon patients recovering from a pneumonia, where the 
lungs have been infiltrated with serum (a yellowish fluid), and which I believe would have gone on to consolidation and have been the 
starting point of ' ' Fibroid Phthisis." (A form of consumption not uncommon as a sequela of pneumonia). 



MEM WIN, HULBERT & CO., NEW YORK. 



There is still another motion, equally as important, which calls into play the muscles of respiration, and the lung tissue, namely : the 
diaphragm and muscles of the abdomen. But first let me describe to you the diaphragm : It is a large,, leaf-like muscle, which separates 
the lung cavity above, containing the heart, lungs and their appendages, from the abdominal cavity, containing the liver, stomach, 
pancreas, spleeu, kidneys, bladder and intestines, below, (Digestive organs). 




Fig 7.— The Transversalis, Rectus and Pyramidilis Muscles. 



This muscle when at rest presents a concave, dome-like surface to the abdomen below, and a convex surface to the thorax (Chest 
above. Its fibres are so arranged that when the muscles contract it flattens, and as a consequence, the floor of the chest is lowered, and 
therefore the vertical diameter of the chest is increased ; while the lower abdominal cavity is encroached upon, and abdominal contents 
pushed dovim, so as to cause a projection of tlie wall of the abdomen itself. By this motion, seen in fig. 34, the muscles and organs called 
directly into action, are first the abdominal muscles which are the external oblique, directly beneath this the internal oblique, and directly 
beneath it the transvasalis ; while the three minor muscles of the abdomen acted upon, are the rectus, pyramadalis and quadratuslumborum. 
We have seen how the vertical diameter of the chest has been increased by a full inspiration, and therefore while in the erect position, as 
seen in fig. 6, the lungs should be well filled, and gradually expired, as the hands and head are lowered. Nor is this all to be accomplished, 
for when the diaphragm is contracted, as it is by a full inspiration, the liver, stomach and intestines are all displaced, and called into 
healthy action. I have Been people suffering for years with indigestion and a chain of other symptoms due to a torpid inactive liver, 
entirely recover by merely this mode of exercise. 

1 have not the space to go further into development of muscles, I have chosen merely those which are intimately associated with the 
organs of the body, to show the necessity for the mechanical exercise of the vital organs, which, I am sorry to say, seems to be entirely lost 
sight of, and in the desire to produce so-called "physical development," I give below a list of the principal muscles of the arms and legs 
and theit actions, for the benefit of those who wish to post themselves on this branch of the anatomy. 



MEItWIN, IIULBERT & CO., NEW YORK. 








13 II 



A Section of the Right Leg in the Upper Third (Heath, from Beraud): 1, Tibialis posticus ; 2, Tibialis anticus : 3, Flexo 
long as digilorum ; 4, Extensor longiis digitorum ; 5, internal saphenous ve'm ; anterior liMal vessels and nerve ; T, ten- 
don of Plantaris ; 8 Peaoneus longus; 9, posterior tibial vessels and nerve ; 10, Flexor longus poUcis ; 11. external saphen- 
ous vein and nerve ; \i, So'.eus with fibrous intersection ; li. peroneal vessels ; li, Gctstrocnemius (outer half ) ; 15, comm- 
unicans peronei nerve. 

Now let us look at the joints, and their various affections. First you must know that joints, of 
all structures, are the most frequent seats of pain, either from injury or from atmospheric, gouty 
or rheumatic influences. In these conditions, more than any others, I believe judicious manipu- 
lation and exercise exerts a beneficial effect, both directly on the joint, and indirectly upon the 
cause of the disease, by stimulating the organs of excreation, i.e. the skin, kidneys and lungs, to 
the elimination of the cause, i.e., the presence of uric acid deposits inand around the joints, should 
the ailment be gout or rheumatism. I am sorry that I have not the time or space, to go into the 
physiological reasons why I believe this to be the case, but I am sure that many stiff joints, (not 
infrequently the result of too conservative treatment) might have been made comparatively free, had 
a system of judicious exercise and manipulation been carried out at the proper time. It may be 
well, however, for me to mention a few general indications, and contra-indications, for the use of 
motion in joint evolvements. To attempt to move a joint during the acute stage of infiamation, 
would be unwise and improper, for rest and extension are the true requirements for an inflamed 
joint. But there is a stage after the more acute inflamation has subsided, that a certain amount of motion is absolutely necessary ; for 
at this time the effused material, which is apt to be present after the subsidence of an acutely inflamed joint, if left alone rapidly becomes 
organized, and a stiff joint is apt to follow ; but before exercising and manipulating such a joint, it is well that a skilled surgeon should be 
consulted. At this stage, however, well direc^ted exercise and manipulation, not only frustrates the organization of this exhuded fluid, 
but brings about absorption, and healthy restoration of the tissues. Slight elevation of temperature, indicates that extreme caution and 
care are required ; should the increased temperature persist, the joint must be left alone. 

The question now presents itself, how shall we exercise a joint? Let us for a moment look at the six principal joints of the body, 
the shoulder, the elbow, the wrist, the hip, knee and ankle. First, the shoulder. It is a ball and socket joint, and is therefore capable of 
motion in every direction ; forward, backward, elevated, depressed and rotated. These motions are best shown in figs. 5, 7, 12, 20 and 22. 
The elbow is a hinge joint, and allows of two motions only, flexion and extension. These motions are seen in fig. 8. The wrist, a pecul- 
iar and complicated joint, called a condyloid joint, it is capable of all the motions of the shoulder, save rotation. The hip, like the shoulder, 
is a ball and socket joint, and is therefore capable of motion in every direction. The manipulations are best seen in figs. 26, 87 and 28. 
The knee and ankle correspond to those of the elbow and wrist, and are exercised by the same correspondence. 

Before closing this article I wish to bring before the reader, the marvellous curative power of exercise, on one of perhaps the most 
common infirmities of the age, Sleeplessness— ior I think it may be truly defined as an infirmity ; it grows unconsciously by habit ; it is 
the precourser of the most serious consequences ; it is invariably associated with an irritable, excitable and overtaxed condition of the 
brain. It denotes a laxity of the cerebral vessels, and a sluggishness of the cerebral circulation. Thomas S. Dowse says : "It is an un- 
natural and abnormal perversion of one of the grandest of nature's laws." Eest of mind and body, by sleep, is essential to the perform- 
ance of both mental and physical labor. The chief cause of sleeplessness, is an irritable and overtaxed brain. A brain may be unconsci- 
ously as weU as consciously overtaxed. There can be little doubt that during sleep, energy accumulates, which is manifested by clearness, 
brightness, activity of intellect, and a capacity for work which did not previously exist. 

There are degrees of sleeplessness. Pure sleep is free from dreams and bodily irritability. Some people apparently sleep all night, 
but the brain is in a state of fitful wakefulness, and this is perhaps more harmful than no sleep at all. Others again will go to bed, feeling 
thoroughly tired and exhausted, but in the course of two or three hours will wake, and do what they will, sleep will not return. This is 
the most common form of sleeplessness. This state of affairs has, perhaps been brought on by over work, anxiety and mental distress. 
After a time these causes pass away, but still sleeplessness continues ; in other words, as somebody has very aptly and truly put it, ' ' Wake, 
fulness begets wakefulness, and sleep begets sleep." For a time such a case as I have described, may remain in good condition. There 
may be an increased brain power, due to a strong and feverish temperature, but the break-down when it comes, and I think there can be 
nothing more certain in life, is in many cases, simply disastrous, and partial or total failure of the intellect, and reasoning powers, may be 
the result. 



It is astonishing what slight influences will often bring about sleep. Dr. Carpenter gives the following amusing and instructive story 
in relation to this. It is said that the Dacots, or professional thieves of India, have been known to steal a mattress from beneath the body 
of a sleeper, by taking advantage of this tendency : — They begin with intensifying his sleep, by gently fanning his face, and when they 
judge him to be in a state of profound insensibility, they gently tickle whatever part of his body may lie most conveniently for that pur- 
pose. The sleeper withdrawing himself from this irritation towards the edge of the mattress the thief again fans his face for a while, and 
repeats the tickling, which causes a further movement, and at last the sleeper edges himself off the mattress, with which the thief makes 
away." I have cited this case merely to show what slight influences often induce deep sleep. Now the question which concerns us is : 
Have we in exercise an agent, which, as a rule, will so far act upon and suspend mental activity, as to cause sleep ? And, if so, in what 
motions shall this exercise consist ? I do not think that any body who has tried the treatment I am about to describe can doubt its calmative 
and soothing effect ; It is often all-sufficient to bring about the desired effect. But in conjunction with this treatment, or any other, it must be 
born in mind, that the demand nature makes upon us must not be neglected, no matter for what disease. The wrongs perpetrated upon nature, 
by the brain workers of this age of enlightenment, are chiefly upon the digestive organs, by light and hurried meals during the day, and 
at night, by relaxation and a heavy indigestible dinner. This should be remedied by taking a good dinner in the middle of the day, and a light, 
wholesome meal at night, consisting of a chop, or some cold beef or mutton, a piece of toast or slice of bread, one vegetable, and a glass of 
milk, and no tea or coffee. 



7 



MERWIJSr, nULBERT «e CO., NEW YORK. 




Fig. 9.— Muscles of the Front of the Leg, 



As to the exercise, it should be the motions shown in the illustrations of figs. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 27, and should be persisted in till the oper- 
ator breaks out in a gentle perspiration. He should then sponge his neck, chests and arms in tepid water, and dry the skin with a rough 
towel. With this treatment the most obstinate case of sleeplessness will be rewarded to their full satisfaction. 




